What’s going on with the “Apple Home update” prompt?
Apple has a newer version of Apple Home, and the older version reaches end of support on 10 February 2026. If your home is still on the older version, you’ll see an update prompt in the Home app.
In practical terms, this is a platform upgrade for your home itself (not just an app update). Once the home is upgraded, every device that controls the home needs to meet Apple’s minimum software requirements.
Why you should care
Most people notice the update prompt and assume it’s a routine nag. It is worth treating as a planned change, especially if:
You share control with family or housemates.
You use multiple Apple devices to control your home.
You rely on automations, notifications, or remote control while away.
You use Matter accessories.
The most common “gotcha” is that someone in the household is on an older OS version. After the home is upgraded, that person can lose access until they update.
“Any device connected to an updated home that doesn’t use iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later will lose access to the updated home until you update the device. This includes people that you invite to control your home.”
What you need before you update
Think of this as a short pre-flight checklist.
1) Update every Apple device that will access the home
Apple sets minimum versions to access an updated home (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch). If anyone in your Home uses older software, have them update first.
Tip: send a quick message to everyone you’ve invited to your Home and ask them to update before you proceed.
2) Have a home hub in place (Apple TV or HomePod)
A home hub underpins key “whole-home” features such as sharing, automations, and remote access. Apple also notes that iPad is not supported as a home hub for the latest version.
If you already run an Apple TV or HomePod, you’re typically in good shape. If you do not, it is worth sorting this before the Home upgrade.
3) Check Apple Account prerequisites
If the update option doesn’t appear or the upgrade fails, the usual culprits are Apple Account settings. Ensure two-factor authentication is enabled, and iCloud Keychain is turned on for the account that owns the home.
How to update Apple Home (step-by-step)
You can perform the upgrade from iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Open the Home app.
Go to Home Settings (you may need to select the relevant home if you have more than one).
Choose Software Update.
Select Update Now and follow the prompts.
Apple notes that all homes you own are upgraded together, so plan accordingly if you manage more than one property.
A sensible rollout plan for households
If you want this to be smooth, a little sequencing helps:
Day 1: Ensure everyone’s devices are updated (including Apple TV and Apple Watch).
Day 2: Confirm your home hub is online and behaving normally.
Upgrade window: Choose a quiet time when nobody is relying on automations for immediate routines.
Post-upgrade checks (10 minutes): Test a few basics: lights, locks (if you have them), cameras (if you have them), and one automation.
Common issues and quick fixes
“The update option isn’t showing”
Work through these in order:
Confirm your device is on a supported OS version.
Confirm your Apple Account has two-factor authentication enabled.
Confirm iCloud Keychain is enabled.
“Someone lost access after the update”
This nearly always comes down to one of these:
Their device is not on the required OS version.
Their Apple Account settings are missing two-factor authentication and/or iCloud Keychain.
The invite needs re-issuing (leave the home and re-invite).
“I have multiple homes”
Because Apple can upgrade all homes you own together, check each home’s occupants and devices before you press the button. Holiday homes and secondary properties are where older iPads often hide.
FAQ
Will this change my accessories?
Your accessories remain your accessories. The change is the underlying Apple Home version that coordinates them. After upgrading, you may notice improved responsiveness and newer platform features that depend on the updated home.
Do I need to be at home to do it?
It’s best to run the upgrade when you’re on a stable network and can verify devices are online, especially your home hub.
Should I update now or wait?
Apple has published an end-of-support date for the older version: 10 February 2026. Treat this like a planned maintenance change and schedule it when you can do basic checks afterwards.
Final thought
If you’ve been dismissing the prompt, the calendar date makes this worth scheduling properly. Update your household’s devices first, confirm your home hub is ready, then run the Home upgrade and do a quick sanity check of key accessories and automations.
Apple Support: Apple Home Update Required
